US7104796B1 - Disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher - Google Patents

Disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US7104796B1
US7104796B1 US11/248,281 US24828105A US7104796B1 US 7104796 B1 US7104796 B1 US 7104796B1 US 24828105 A US24828105 A US 24828105A US 7104796 B1 US7104796 B1 US 7104796B1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
mount
engaging element
crevice
annular flange
driven shaft
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
US11/248,281
Inventor
Hui-Tsu Chia
Shui-Tao Tseng
Philip Phung-I Ho
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Premier Dental Products Co
Original Assignee
Meditech International Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meditech International Co Ltd filed Critical Meditech International Co Ltd
Priority to US11/248,281 priority Critical patent/US7104796B1/en
Assigned to CHIA, HUI-TSU, HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I, MEDITECH INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD. reassignment CHIA, HUI-TSU ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHIA, HUI-TSU, HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I, TSENG, SHUI-TAO
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US7104796B1 publication Critical patent/US7104796B1/en
Assigned to CHIA, HUI-TSU, HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I reassignment CHIA, HUI-TSU ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHIA, HUI-TSU, HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I, MEDITECH INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
Assigned to PREMIER DENTAL PRODUCTS COMPANY reassignment PREMIER DENTAL PRODUCTS COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHIA, HUI-TSU, HO, PHILLIP PHUNG-I
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/005—Devices for dental prophylaxis

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tooth cleaner, and more particularly to a disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher.
  • the disposable prophy angle has a mount, a disposable surface-polishing member and a disposable crevice-cleaning member. The members are detachably mounted to the mount simultaneously.
  • Electric tooth polishers are generally tools used by dentists to clean teeth.
  • a conventional electric tooth polisher has a controller ( 70 ), a handle ( 80 ) and a disposable prophy angle.
  • the controller ( 70 ) is connected to a power source and has a display and a switch.
  • the handle ( 80 ) is connected to the controller ( 70 ) through a cable and has a motor.
  • the disposable prophy angle is connected to the handle ( 80 ) and has a hollow casing ( 90 ), a driven shaft ( 91 ), a mount ( 92 ), a disposable surface-polishing member ( 93 ) and a disposable crevice-cleaning member ( 94 ).
  • the driven shaft ( 91 ) is mounted rotatably in the casing ( 90 ), rotates in response to the motor and has a distal end extending out of the casing ( 90 ).
  • the mount ( 92 ) is mounted to the distal end of the driven shaft ( 91 ).
  • the surface-polishing member ( 93 ) is mounted detachably on the mount ( 92 ) and rotates to polish the surface of teeth when the tooth polisher is used.
  • the crevice-cleaning member ( 94 ) is conical, may replace the surface-polishing member ( 93 ) on the mount ( 92 ) and rotates to clean the crevices between adjacent teeth.
  • the surface-polishing member ( 93 ) or the crevice-cleaning member ( 94 ) is used on the prophy angle at any one time.
  • a dentist must replace one of the members ( 93 , 94 ) with the other during the treatment. The need to change the members ( 93 , 94 ) is time wasting.
  • the present invention provides a disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.
  • the main objective of the invention is to provide a disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher.
  • the disposable prophy angle has a mount, a disposable surface-polishing member and a disposable crevice-cleaning member.
  • the members are detachably mounted to the mount simultaneously.
  • the disposable prophy angle in accordance with the present invention is mounted to an electric tooth polisher that has a controller and a handle having a motor and a driving shaft.
  • the prophy angle is mounted to the handle and has a casing, a driven shaft, a surface-polishing member and a crevice-cleaning member.
  • the casing is mounted to the handle and has a cavity and a distal open end.
  • the driven shaft is mounted rotatably in the casing, rotates in response to the motor and has a mount.
  • the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members are detachably mounted on the mount simultaneously.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of the mount with the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members of the prophy angle in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the mount with the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members of the prophy angle in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of the mount with the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members of the prophy angle in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of the mount with the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members of the prophy angle in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a conventional electric tooth polisher in accordance with the prior art
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the prophy angle of the tooth polisher in FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the prophy angle with the surface-polishing member of the tooth polisher in FIG. 7 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the prophy angle with the crevice-cleaning member of the tooth polisher in FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the prophy angle of the tooth polisher in FIG. 9 .
  • a disposable prophy angle in accordance with the present invention is mounted to an electric tooth polisher.
  • the electric tooth polisher has a controller and a handle.
  • the controller is connected to a power source.
  • the handle is connected to the controller through a cable and has a motor and a driving shaft rotatably mounted to the motor.
  • the disposable prophy angle in accordance with the present invention has a casing ( 10 ), a driven shaft ( 20 , 20 a, 20 b, 20 c ), a surface-polishing member ( 30 , 30 a, 30 b, 30 c ) and a crevice-cleaning member ( 40 , 40 a, 40 b, 40 c ).
  • the casing ( 10 ) is hollow, is mounted to the handle, holds the driving shaft and has a cavity and a distal open end.
  • the driven shaft ( 20 , 20 a, 20 b, 20 c ) is mounted rotatably in the casing ( 10 ), engages the driving shaft, rotates in response to the motor and has a mount ( 21 ), a proximal engaging element ( 23 , 23 a, 23 b, 23 c ) and a distal engaging element ( 25 , 25 a, 25 b, 25 c ).
  • the mount ( 21 ) is formed axially on the driven shaft ( 20 , 20 a, 20 b, 20 c ), extends out of the distal open end of casing ( 10 ) and has a distal end.
  • the proximal engaging element ( 23 , 23 a, 23 b, 23 c ) is formed on the mount ( 21 ).
  • the distal engaging element ( 25 , 25 a, 25 b, 25 c ) is formed on the mount ( 21 ) close to the distal end of the mount ( 21 ).
  • the surface-polishing member ( 30 , 30 a, 30 b, 30 c ) is annular and resilient, is mounted detachably around the mount ( 21 ) and polishes the surface of teeth when driven to rotate.
  • the surface-polishing member ( 30 , 30 a, 30 b, 30 c ) has an axial through hole ( 31 ), an inner surface and an engaging element ( 35 , 35 a, 35 c, 35 d ).
  • the engaging element ( 35 , 35 a, 35 b, 35 c ) detachably engages the proximal engaging element ( 23 , 23 a, 23 b, 23 c ) on the mount ( 21 ) of the driven shaft ( 20 ).
  • the crevice-cleaning member ( 40 , 40 a, 40 b, 40 c ) is conical and resilient, is mounted detachably on the mount ( 21 ) of the driven shaft ( 20 , 20 a, 20 b, 20 c ) in the axial through hole ( 31 ) of the surface-polishing member ( 30 , 30 a, 30 b, 30 c ) and cleans crevices between adjacent teeth when driven to rotate.
  • the crevice-cleaning member ( 40 , 40 a, 40 b, 40 c ) has an engaging element ( 45 , 45 a, 45 b, 45 c ).
  • the engaging element ( 45 , 45 a, 45 b, 45 c ) detachably engages the distal engaging element ( 25 , 25 a, 25 b, 25 c ) on the mount ( 21 ) of the driven shaft ( 20 , 20 a, 20 b, 20 c ).
  • a first embodiment of the prophy angle has the proximal engaging element ( 23 ) on the mount ( 21 ) of the driven shaft ( 20 ) being an annular flange.
  • the annular flange extends radially outward from the mount ( 21 ) and has a rectangular cross-section and a diameter.
  • the distal engaging element ( 25 ) is an enlarged head formed on the distal end of the mount ( 21 ) at an interval from the annular flange and having a diameter smaller than that of the annular flange.
  • the engaging element ( 35 ) on the surface-polishing member ( 30 ) is an annular rib.
  • the annular rib extends radially inward from the inner surface of the surface-polishing member ( 30 ), clasps the annular flange on the mount ( 21 ) and has a rectangular cross-section.
  • the engaging element ( 45 ) on the crevice-cleaning member ( 40 ) is an opening on the end of the crevice-cleaning member ( 40 ).
  • the opening holds the enlarged head ( 25 ) on the mount ( 21 ) and has an inner surface and an annular rib.
  • the annular rib of the top opening extends radially inward from the inner surface, clasps the enlarged head ( 25 ) and has a rectangular cross-section.
  • a second embodiment of the prophy angle is similar to the first embodiment.
  • the proximal engaging element ( 23 a ) on the mount ( 21 ) is an annular flange having a triangular cross-section.
  • the distal engaging element ( 25 a ) is an enlarged head being adjacent to the annular flange and having a triangular cross-section.
  • the engaging element ( 35 a ) on the surface-polishing member ( 30 a ) is an annular rib having a triangular cross-section.
  • the engaging element ( 45 a ) on the crevice-cleaning member ( 40 a ) is an opening on the end of the crevice-cleaning member ( 40 a ) having an annular rib with a triangular cross-section.
  • a third embodiment of the prophy angle is similar to the first embodiment.
  • the surface-polishing element ( 30 b ) further has an auxiliary engaging element ( 36 ) being an annular rib, extending inward from the inner surface, engaging the interval between the annular flange ( 23 b ) and the enlarged head ( 25 b ) and being adjacent to the engaging element ( 45 b ) of the crevice-cleaning member ( 40 b ).
  • a fourth embodiment of the prophy angle is similar to the first embodiment.
  • the distal engaging element ( 25 c ) is a socket longitudinally defined in the distal end of the mount ( 21 ).
  • the engaging element ( 45 c ) on the crevice-cleaning member ( 40 c ) is a protrusion plugged in the socket.
  • the surface-polishing member ( 30 , 30 a, 30 b, 30 c ) of the prophy angle is rotated by the motor to polish the surface of teeth.
  • the surface-polishing member ( 30 , 30 a, 30 b, 30 c ) is detached to expose the crevice-cleaning member ( 40 , 40 a, 40 b, 40 c ).
  • the crevice-cleaning member ( 40 , 40 a, 40 b, 40 c ) is then used to clean the crevices between adjacent teeth.
  • the prophy angle including both the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members ( 30 , 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 40 , 40 a, 40 b, 40 c ) can be used without having to either of the members ( 30 , 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 40 , 40 a, 40 b, 40 c ) during a treatment. Therefore, using the prophy angle to clean teeth saves time.

Abstract

A disposable prophy angle is mounted to an electric tooth polisher that has a controller, a handle having a motor and a driving shaft. The prophy angle is mounted to the handle and has a casing, a driven shaft, a surface-polishing member and a crevice-cleaning member. The casing is mounted to the handle and has a cavity and a distal open end. The driven shaft is mounted rotatably in the casing, rotates in response to the motor and has a mount. The surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members are detachably mounted on the mount simultaneously. The tooth polisher with both the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members can be used to clean teeth without the need to replace the members and is timesaving.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tooth cleaner, and more particularly to a disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher. The disposable prophy angle has a mount, a disposable surface-polishing member and a disposable crevice-cleaning member. The members are detachably mounted to the mount simultaneously.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electric tooth polishers are generally tools used by dentists to clean teeth.
With reference to FIG. 6, a conventional electric tooth polisher has a controller (70), a handle (80) and a disposable prophy angle.
The controller (70) is connected to a power source and has a display and a switch.
The handle (80) is connected to the controller (70) through a cable and has a motor.
With further reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the disposable prophy angle is connected to the handle (80) and has a hollow casing (90), a driven shaft (91), a mount (92), a disposable surface-polishing member (93) and a disposable crevice-cleaning member (94). The driven shaft (91) is mounted rotatably in the casing (90), rotates in response to the motor and has a distal end extending out of the casing (90). The mount (92) is mounted to the distal end of the driven shaft (91). The surface-polishing member (93) is mounted detachably on the mount (92) and rotates to polish the surface of teeth when the tooth polisher is used. The crevice-cleaning member (94) is conical, may replace the surface-polishing member (93) on the mount (92) and rotates to clean the crevices between adjacent teeth.
However, only one of the attachments, the surface-polishing member (93) or the crevice-cleaning member (94), is used on the prophy angle at any one time. To complete the cleaning process, the polishing and then the crevice cleaning, a dentist must replace one of the members (93, 94) with the other during the treatment. The need to change the members (93, 94) is time wasting.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The main objective of the invention is to provide a disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher. The disposable prophy angle has a mount, a disposable surface-polishing member and a disposable crevice-cleaning member. The members are detachably mounted to the mount simultaneously.
The disposable prophy angle in accordance with the present invention is mounted to an electric tooth polisher that has a controller and a handle having a motor and a driving shaft.
The prophy angle is mounted to the handle and has a casing, a driven shaft, a surface-polishing member and a crevice-cleaning member.
The casing is mounted to the handle and has a cavity and a distal open end.
The driven shaft is mounted rotatably in the casing, rotates in response to the motor and has a mount.
The surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members are detachably mounted on the mount simultaneously.
Other objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of the mount with the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members of the prophy angle in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the mount with the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members of the prophy angle in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of the mount with the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members of the prophy angle in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of the mount with the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members of the prophy angle in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a conventional electric tooth polisher in accordance with the prior art;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the prophy angle of the tooth polisher in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the prophy angle with the surface-polishing member of the tooth polisher in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the prophy angle with the crevice-cleaning member of the tooth polisher in FIG. 6; and
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the prophy angle of the tooth polisher in FIG. 9.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A disposable prophy angle in accordance with the present invention is mounted to an electric tooth polisher. The electric tooth polisher has a controller and a handle. The controller is connected to a power source. The handle is connected to the controller through a cable and has a motor and a driving shaft rotatably mounted to the motor.
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the disposable prophy angle in accordance with the present invention has a casing (10), a driven shaft (20, 20 a, 20 b, 20 c), a surface-polishing member (30, 30 a, 30 b, 30 c) and a crevice-cleaning member (40, 40 a, 40 b, 40 c).
The casing (10) is hollow, is mounted to the handle, holds the driving shaft and has a cavity and a distal open end.
The driven shaft (20, 20 a, 20 b, 20 c) is mounted rotatably in the casing (10), engages the driving shaft, rotates in response to the motor and has a mount (21), a proximal engaging element (23, 23 a, 23 b, 23 c) and a distal engaging element (25, 25 a, 25 b, 25 c). The mount (21) is formed axially on the driven shaft (20, 20 a, 20 b, 20 c), extends out of the distal open end of casing (10) and has a distal end. The proximal engaging element (23, 23 a, 23 b, 23 c) is formed on the mount (21). The distal engaging element (25, 25 a, 25 b, 25 c) is formed on the mount (21) close to the distal end of the mount (21).
The surface-polishing member (30, 30 a, 30 b, 30 c) is annular and resilient, is mounted detachably around the mount (21) and polishes the surface of teeth when driven to rotate. The surface-polishing member (30, 30 a, 30 b, 30 c) has an axial through hole (31), an inner surface and an engaging element (35, 35 a, 35 c, 35 d). The engaging element (35, 35 a, 35 b, 35 c) detachably engages the proximal engaging element (23, 23 a, 23 b, 23 c) on the mount (21) of the driven shaft (20).
The crevice-cleaning member (40, 40 a, 40 b, 40 c) is conical and resilient, is mounted detachably on the mount (21) of the driven shaft (20, 20 a, 20 b, 20 c) in the axial through hole (31) of the surface-polishing member (30, 30 a, 30 b, 30 c) and cleans crevices between adjacent teeth when driven to rotate. The crevice-cleaning member (40, 40 a, 40 b, 40 c) has an engaging element (45, 45 a, 45 b, 45 c). The engaging element (45, 45 a, 45 b, 45 c) detachably engages the distal engaging element (25, 25 a, 25 b, 25 c) on the mount (21) of the driven shaft (20, 20 a, 20 b, 20 c).
With reference to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of the prophy angle has the proximal engaging element (23) on the mount (21) of the driven shaft (20) being an annular flange. The annular flange extends radially outward from the mount (21) and has a rectangular cross-section and a diameter. The distal engaging element (25) is an enlarged head formed on the distal end of the mount (21) at an interval from the annular flange and having a diameter smaller than that of the annular flange. The engaging element (35) on the surface-polishing member (30) is an annular rib. The annular rib extends radially inward from the inner surface of the surface-polishing member (30), clasps the annular flange on the mount (21) and has a rectangular cross-section. The engaging element (45) on the crevice-cleaning member (40) is an opening on the end of the crevice-cleaning member (40). The opening holds the enlarged head (25) on the mount (21) and has an inner surface and an annular rib. The annular rib of the top opening extends radially inward from the inner surface, clasps the enlarged head (25) and has a rectangular cross-section.
With reference to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of the prophy angle is similar to the first embodiment. However, the proximal engaging element (23 a) on the mount (21) is an annular flange having a triangular cross-section. The distal engaging element (25 a) is an enlarged head being adjacent to the annular flange and having a triangular cross-section. The engaging element (35 a) on the surface-polishing member (30 a) is an annular rib having a triangular cross-section. The engaging element (45 a) on the crevice-cleaning member (40 a) is an opening on the end of the crevice-cleaning member (40 a) having an annular rib with a triangular cross-section.
With reference to FIG. 4, a third embodiment of the prophy angle is similar to the first embodiment. However, the surface-polishing element (30 b) further has an auxiliary engaging element (36) being an annular rib, extending inward from the inner surface, engaging the interval between the annular flange (23 b) and the enlarged head (25 b) and being adjacent to the engaging element (45 b) of the crevice-cleaning member (40 b).
With reference to FIG. 5, a fourth embodiment of the prophy angle is similar to the first embodiment. However, the distal engaging element (25 c) is a socket longitudinally defined in the distal end of the mount (21). The engaging element (45 c) on the crevice-cleaning member (40 c) is a protrusion plugged in the socket.
When the tooth polisher is used to clean teeth, the surface-polishing member (30, 30 a, 30 b, 30 c) of the prophy angle is rotated by the motor to polish the surface of teeth. After the polishing treatment, the surface-polishing member (30, 30 a, 30 b, 30 c) is detached to expose the crevice-cleaning member (40, 40 a, 40 b, 40 c). The crevice-cleaning member (40, 40 a, 40 b, 40 c) is then used to clean the crevices between adjacent teeth.
The prophy angle including both the surface-polishing and crevice-cleaning members (30, 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 40, 40 a, 40 b, 40 c) can be used without having to either of the members (30, 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 40, 40 a, 40 b, 40 c) during a treatment. Therefore, using the prophy angle to clean teeth saves time.
Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Changes may be made in the details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims (5)

What is claimed is:
1. A disposable prophy angle mounted to an electric tooth polisher having a controller connected to a power source and a handle connected to the controller through a cable and including a motor and a driving shaft rotatably mounted to the motor, wherein the disposable prophy angle is adapted to be mounted to the handle and comprises:
a casing being hollow, adapted to be mounted to the handle, adapted to hold the driving shaft and having a cavity and a distal open end;
a driven shaft mounted rotatably in the casing, adapted to engage the driving shaft, adapted to rotate in response to the motor and having
a mount formed longitudinally on the driven shaft, extending out of the distal open end of casing and having a distal end;
a proximal engaging element formed on the mount; and
a distal engaging element formed on the mount close to the distal end of the mount;
a surface-polishing member being annular and resilient, mounted detachably around the mount and having an axial through hole, an inner surface and an engaging element detachably engaging the proximal engaging element on the mount of the driven shaft; and
a crevice-cleaning member being conical and resilient, mounted detachably on the mount of the driven shaft in the axial through hole of the surface-polishing member and having an engaging element detachably engaging the distal engaging element on the mount of the driven shaft.
2. The disposable prophy angle as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the proximal engaging element on the mount of the driven shaft is an annular flange extending radially outward from the mount and having a rectangular cross-section and a diameter;
the distal engaging element on the mount is an enlarged head formed on the distal end of the mount at an interval from the annular flange and having a diameter smaller than that of the annular flange;
the engaging element on the surface-polishing member is an annular rib extending radially inward from the inner surface of the surface-polishing member, clasping the annular flange on the mount and having a rectangular cross-section; and
the engaging element on the crevice-cleaning member is an opening in an end of the crevice-cleaning member holding the enlarged head on the mount and having
an inner surface; and
an annular rib extending radially and inward from the inner surface, clasping the enlarged head and having a rectangular cross-section.
3. The disposable prophy angle as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the proximal engaging element on the mount of the driven shaft is an annular flange extending radially outward from the mount and having a triangular cross-section and a diameter;
the distal engaging element on the mount is an enlarged head formed on the distal end of the mount adjacent to the annular flange and having a triangular cross-section and a diameter smaller than that of the annular flange;
the engaging element on the surface-polishing member is an annular rib extending radially inward from the inner surface of the surface-polishing member, clasping the annular flange on the mount and having a triangular cross-section; and
the engaging element on the crevice-cleaning member is an opening on an end of the crevice-cleaning member holding the enlarged head on the mount and having
an inner surface; and
an annular rib extending radially and inward from the inner surface, clasping the enlarged head and having a triangular cross-section.
4. The disposable prophy angle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the surface-polishing element further has an auxiliary engaging element being an annular rib, extending inward from the inner surface, engaging the interval between the annular flange and the enlarged head and being adjacent to the engaging element on the crevice-cleaning member.
5. The disposable prophy angle as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the proximal engaging element on the mount of the driven shaft is an annular flange extending radially outward from the mount;
the distal engaging element on the mount is a socket longitudinally defined in the distal end of the mount;
the engaging element on the surface-polishing member is an annular rib extending radially inward from the inner surface of the surface-polishing member and clasping the annular flange on the mount; and
the engaging element on the crevice-cleaning member is a protrusion plugged in the socket.
US11/248,281 2005-10-13 2005-10-13 Disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher Active US7104796B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/248,281 US7104796B1 (en) 2005-10-13 2005-10-13 Disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/248,281 US7104796B1 (en) 2005-10-13 2005-10-13 Disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US7104796B1 true US7104796B1 (en) 2006-09-12

Family

ID=36951674

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/248,281 Active US7104796B1 (en) 2005-10-13 2005-10-13 Disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US7104796B1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090162811A1 (en) * 2007-12-20 2009-06-25 Benjamin Chronister Dental prophylaxis angle and handpiece assembly
USD674487S1 (en) 2011-09-30 2013-01-15 Dentsply International Inc. Dental device connection adapter
USD687552S1 (en) 2011-09-30 2013-08-06 Dentsply International Inc. Dental device connection adapter
USD1006992S1 (en) * 2022-04-22 2023-12-05 Abrite Tech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Tooth polisher
USD1013873S1 (en) 2022-06-17 2024-02-06 Young Dental Manufacturing I, Llc Prophy angle body

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2226145A (en) * 1938-01-17 1940-12-24 Calvin L Smith Motor driven tooth cleaning device
US2707329A (en) * 1954-03-09 1955-05-03 Costoff Socrates Dental device for preparing teeth to receive crowns
US6053732A (en) * 1996-09-23 2000-04-25 Professional Dental Technologies, Inc. Dental prophylaxis angle and a pivotable prophy cup therefore
US6766549B2 (en) * 2001-04-20 2004-07-27 Michael F. Klupt Toothbrush system with a three-dimensional brushing action and fluid irrigation

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2226145A (en) * 1938-01-17 1940-12-24 Calvin L Smith Motor driven tooth cleaning device
US2707329A (en) * 1954-03-09 1955-05-03 Costoff Socrates Dental device for preparing teeth to receive crowns
US6053732A (en) * 1996-09-23 2000-04-25 Professional Dental Technologies, Inc. Dental prophylaxis angle and a pivotable prophy cup therefore
US6766549B2 (en) * 2001-04-20 2004-07-27 Michael F. Klupt Toothbrush system with a three-dimensional brushing action and fluid irrigation

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090162811A1 (en) * 2007-12-20 2009-06-25 Benjamin Chronister Dental prophylaxis angle and handpiece assembly
US7955079B2 (en) 2007-12-20 2011-06-07 Dentsply International, Inc. Dental prophylaxis angle and handpiece assembly
USD674487S1 (en) 2011-09-30 2013-01-15 Dentsply International Inc. Dental device connection adapter
USD687552S1 (en) 2011-09-30 2013-08-06 Dentsply International Inc. Dental device connection adapter
USD1006992S1 (en) * 2022-04-22 2023-12-05 Abrite Tech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Tooth polisher
USD1013873S1 (en) 2022-06-17 2024-02-06 Young Dental Manufacturing I, Llc Prophy angle body

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7104796B1 (en) Disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher
US20200222160A1 (en) Visual tooth cleaning, grinding and polishing instrument
WO2007133312A8 (en) Battery powered cleaning attachment
JP3198295B2 (en) Electric cleansing device for cleansing member and teeth
US11918430B2 (en) Multi-functional visual electric toothbrush
WO1990009123A1 (en) Electric toothbrush
US7153133B1 (en) Disposable prophy angle for an electric tooth polisher
US5496218A (en) Coupling means for the drive shaft of prophy angles
CN107530149A (en) For cleaning the toothbrush of tooth and teeth space
JP2015096197A (en) Automatic rotary interdental brush
EP1792559A3 (en) Floor treatment device with a brush installed in a suction mouth
US20160081779A1 (en) Solar powered dental hygiene device
US20040064907A1 (en) Hand-held, battery powered cleaning tool
CN106108792A (en) The Zhong Sao mechanism of sweeping robot
KR100683814B1 (en) An Electric-Powered Toothbrush
KR101726718B1 (en) Teeth cleaning device having backflow prevention function
KR200261711Y1 (en) dentists' tools set
WO2012091166A1 (en) Combined-use tooth brush and electric interdental brush
KR100749234B1 (en) An electric type scrubbing device
US20160235510A1 (en) Compound Oral Cleaning Device
US9248476B2 (en) Multispeed device for polishing and cleaning jewelry
WO2007019742A1 (en) A dental hygiene device with multiple abrasive heads
GB2278537A (en) Rotating toothbrush
CN216933566U (en) Handle structure and dental scaler
TWI718882B (en) Pat type cleaning and care equipment and pat type cleaning and care equipment set

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHIA, HUI-TSU;TSENG, SHUI-TAO;HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I;REEL/FRAME:017092/0860

Effective date: 20051006

Owner name: CHIA, HUI-TSU, TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHIA, HUI-TSU;TSENG, SHUI-TAO;HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I;REEL/FRAME:017092/0860

Effective date: 20051006

Owner name: MEDITECH INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., CHINA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHIA, HUI-TSU;TSENG, SHUI-TAO;HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I;REEL/FRAME:017092/0860

Effective date: 20051006

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

AS Assignment

Owner name: CHIA, HUI-TSU, TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHIA, HUI-TSU;MEDITECH INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.;HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I;REEL/FRAME:020555/0568

Effective date: 20080215

Owner name: HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHIA, HUI-TSU;MEDITECH INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.;HO, PHILIP PHUNG-I;REEL/FRAME:020555/0568

Effective date: 20080215

AS Assignment

Owner name: PREMIER DENTAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, PENNSYLVANIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHIA, HUI-TSU;HO, PHILLIP PHUNG-I;REEL/FRAME:023245/0404

Effective date: 20090601

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2553)

Year of fee payment: 12